Netherlands launches fund to accommodate excellent international scientists
Excellent international scientists who want to continue their work in the Netherlands are welcome in our country. That is the message that Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins is eager to communicate with the world. He has asked the Dutch Research Council (NWO) to set up a programme to attract the best scientists to the Netherlands as soon as possible. Today, Mr Bruins formally stated his intentions in a letter to the House of Representatives.
Leading scientists
Minister Bruins: “The world is changing. Tensions are on the rise. We are seeing an increase in the number of scientists looking for another place to continue their work. I want more top international scientists to do so here in the Netherlands. After all, leading scientists are of immense value to the Netherlands and to Europe as a whole.”
A new NWO fund
Mr Bruins has asked the Dutch Research Council to establish a new fund as soon as possible to encourage outstanding researchers and talented scientists to come to the Netherlands to pursue their ambitions. For example, a financial package could be made available in the form of a grant. The aim is to ensure that scientists have the resources to live and work in the Netherlands and continue their research at a Dutch knowledge institution.
Details of the fund have yet to take shape, but the minister is eager to announce it at this early stage to scientists who are currently considering the next step in their career. It is important that they include the Netherlands in their deliberations. Other European countries such as France, Germany, Spain and Belgium are also taking initiatives to bring leading international scientists into the fold.
Truly international
A number of guiding principles of the fund have already been made clear. Eligibility is not restricted to Dutch nationals working abroad. Mr Bruins wants to open up the scheme to the full spectrum of top international talent, regardless of nationality. He also wants the fund to launch as soon as possible, sending a strong signal that leading researchers are welcome in the Netherlands. The ambition is that the fund will bring several dozen top scientists to the Netherlands. In close consultation with the Dutch Research Council, the minister expects to clarify the financial details in the coming weeks, along with the start date for the fund and the exact conditions that candidates will have to meet.
Originally published at https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2025/03/20/netherlands-launches-fund-to-accommodate-excellent-international-scientists
